System for developing, managing, acquiring and playing electronic board games

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/631,265, entitled “System for Developing, Managing, Acquiring and Playing Electronic Board Games,” which was filed on Sep. 28, 2012 and which issued on Nov. 3, 2015 as U.S Pat. No. 9,174,116.

BACKGROUND

Many different types, styles, and versions of conventional board games are commercially available, and have been played by persons of all ages and backgrounds for several generations. Typically, such board games include a physical game board with a static graphical representation of a game playing surface on one side, and a plurality of physical game pieces such as dice, cards, game currency, and/or other paper, plastic and/or metal pieces.

Personal computing devices are ubiquitous in modern society, with many persons owning and/or operating multiple personal computing devices daily. Many personal computing devices are internet-accessible, and some such personal computing devices have large display screens and/or may be oriented and supported with their display screens facing upwardly. The personal computing devices may be used for any one or more uses including business, personal data management, and entertainment such as electronic games.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The concepts described herein are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a system for developing, managing, acquiring and playing electronic board games;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a simplified diagram of at least one embodiment of a physically flexible version of the user computing device illustrated in the system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a simplified diagram of the user computing device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shown with a hardware game piece positioned upon and in contact with a display screen of the user computing device;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a simplified diagram of at least one embodiment of a collection of unique hardware game pieces which may be used to distinguish game players from one another;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a bottom plan view of the collection of unique hardware game pieces illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> showing uniquely shaped footprints of each game piece in the collection of unique hardware game pieces;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a simplified view of at least one embodiment of the one or more electronic devices illustrated in the system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of an environment of the game server illustrated in the system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a process for identifying and tracking of the positions of players relative to the playing surface of an electronic game board displayed on a display screen of a user computing device, which process may be executed by one or more of the user computing devices of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a process for setting game modification rules by a game developer, which may be executed by the game server of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and/or by a computing device controlled by the game developer;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a process for selecting one or more electronic game components to use in place of one or more corresponding hardware game components when playing games, which may be executed by one or more of the user computing devices of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a process for selecting a mechanism for hiding certain game-related information from other players during game play, which may be executed by one or more of the user computing devices of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a process for recommending a game to a user from the user's collection of games and/or from a catalogue of new games, which may be executed by one or more of the user computing devices and/or the game server of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a process for setting one or more access limits to one or more electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games, which may be executed by one or more of the user computing devices and/or the game server of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a process for acquiring a game via the game server, which may be executed by one or more of the user computing devices and/or the game server of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of at least one embodiment of a process for uploading a version of a game that has been modified by a user for use by others, which may be executed by one or more of the user computing devices and/or the game server of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The disclosed embodiments may be implemented, in some cases, in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried by or stored on a transitory or non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage medium, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable storage medium may be embodied as any storage device, mechanism, or other physical structure for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory, a media disc, or other media device).

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features.

Referring now generally to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 7</figref>, an embodiment of a system <b>100</b> is shown for developing, managing, acquiring and playing electronic board games. In the illustrated embodiment, the system <b>100</b> includes a game server <b>102</b> configured to provide a framework for developing, managing, acquiring and providing services for electronic board games over a network <b>108</b>, which electronic board games may be acquired and played by one or more users via one or more corresponding user computing devices, e.g., <b>104</b> and <b>106</b>. As discussed in more detail below, the game server <b>102</b> illustratively includes a game development module <b>302</b> configured to provide access to a number of game-related templates and other software for use by one or more game developers to develop modified and/or unmodified, electronic versions of one or more existing, conventional board games, and/or to develop new electronic board games.

The game server <b>102</b> further illustratively includes a game acquisition module <b>306</b> configured to allow one or more users to acquire various versions of one or more electronic board games, such as limited versions, full or complete versions and modifiable versions, and to allow users to upload modified versions of games and thereby make such modified versions available to others. The game server <b>102</b> further illustratively includes a game services module <b>304</b> configured to provide various game-related services to users. Users may acquire one or more standardized and/or custom hardware game pieces <b>114</b> and/or sets of hardware game pieces for use during game play. Alternatively or additionally, users and/or one or more other game players may acquire one or more “virtual” game pieces, e.g., software applications, using any of a number of electronic devices, e.g., <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, and may use any such virtual game pieces in addition to, or in place of, corresponding hardware game pieces during game play. Additionally, in games that require certain information to be kept private from other game players, users and other game players may each utilize one of the number of electronic devices, e.g., <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, to acquire and use one or more general purpose or dedicated software application(s) configured to display and manage game information that is private only to that player.

In the embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the user computing device <b>104</b>, of the system <b>100</b> may be embodied as any type of computing device capable of performing the functions described herein. For example, each of the user computing device <b>104</b> may be embodied as, without limitation, a computer, a desktop computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a mobile computing device, a smart phone, a cellular telephone, a handset, a messaging device, a work station, a network appliance, a web appliance, a distributed computing system, a multiprocessor system, a processor-based system, a consumer electronic device, a digital television device, a set top box, and/or any other computing device configured to store and access data, and to execute electronic game software and related applications. Additionally, although the system <b>100</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as including two user computing devices <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, it should be appreciated that the system <b>100</b> may include any number of user computing devices.

In the illustrative embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the user computing device <b>104</b> includes a processor <b>120</b>, an I/O subsystem <b>122</b>, a memory <b>124</b>, a data storage <b>126</b>, a communication circuitry <b>128</b>, and one or more peripheral devices <b>130</b>. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the illustrative components may be incorporated in, or otherwise from a portion of, another component. For example, the memory <b>124</b>, or portions thereof, may be incorporated in the processor <b>120</b> in some embodiments. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the user computing device <b>104</b> may include other components, sub-components, and devices commonly found in a computer and/or computing device, which are not illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> for clarity of the description.

The processor <b>120</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b> may be embodied as any type of processor currently known or developed in the future and capable of performing the functions described herein. For example, the processor <b>120</b> may be embodied as a single or multi-core processor(s), digital signal processor, microcontroller, or other processor or processing/controlling circuit. Similarly, the memory <b>124</b> may be embodied as any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or data storage currently known or developed in the future and capable of performing the functions described herein. In operation, the memory <b>124</b> may store various data and software used during operation of the user computing device <b>104</b> such as operating systems, applications, programs, libraries, and drivers. The memory <b>124</b> is communicatively coupled to the processor <b>120</b> via the I/O subsystem <b>122</b>, which may be embodied as circuitry and/or components to facilitate input/output operations with the processor <b>120</b>, the memory <b>124</b>, and other components of the user computing device <b>104</b>. For example, the I/O subsystem <b>122</b> may be embodied as, or otherwise include, memory controller hubs, input/output control hubs, firmware devices, communication links (i.e., point-to-point links, bus links, wires, cables, light guides, printed circuit board traces, etc.) and/or other components and subsystems to facilitate the input/output operations. In some embodiments, the I/O subsystem <b>122</b> may form a portion of a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and be incorporated, along with the processor <b>120</b>, the memory <b>124</b>, and other components of the user computing device <b>104</b>, on a single integrated circuit chip.

The communication circuitry <b>128</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b> may be embodied as any communication circuit, device, or collection thereof, capable of enabling communications between the user computing device <b>104</b> and the game server <b>102</b> and/or other remote devices and, in embodiments in which one or more of the electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_Jare used, between the user computing device <b>104</b> and the one or more electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J. Communication between the user computing device <b>104</b> and the game server <b>102</b> and/or between the user computing device <b>104</b> and the one or more electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_Jmay take place wirelessly via the network <b>108</b>, wherein the network <b>108</b> may represent, for example, a local area network (LAN), personal area network (PAN), storage area network (SAN), backbone network, global area network (GAN), wide area network (WAN), or collection of any such computer networks such as an intranet, extranet or the Internet (i.e., a global system of interconnected network upon which various applications or service run including, for example, the World Wide Web). In alternative embodiments, the communication path between the user computing device <b>104</b> and the game server <b>102</b> and/or between the user computing device <b>104</b> and the one or more electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_Jmay be, in whole or in part, a wired connection. Generally, the communication circuitry <b>128</b> may be configured to use any one or more, or combination, of communication protocols to communicate with the game server <b>102</b> such as, for example, a wired network communication protocol (e.g., TCP/IP), a wireless network communication protocol (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, WiMAX), a cellular communication protocol (e.g., Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA)), and/or other communication protocols.

The one or more peripheral devices <b>130</b> may include any number of input/output devices, interface devices, and/or other peripheral devices. For example, the peripheral devices <b>130</b> will typically include a display <b>132</b> and graphics circuitry and, in some embodiments, may further include a keyboard, a mouse, audio processing circuitry (including, e.g., conventional amplification circuitry and one or more speakers), and/or other input/output devices, interface devices, and/or peripheral devices. The display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b> may generally be or include any device or surface currently known or developed in the future and capable of rendering an image based on electronic input. The display <b>132</b> may be embodied as, or otherwise use, for example, any suitable display technology including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a plasma display, and/or other display technology currently known or developed in the future. Although only a single display <b>132</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, it should be appreciated that the user computing device <b>104</b> may include multiple displays or display screens on which the same or different content may be displayed contemporaneously or sequentially with each other. The one or more peripheral devices <b>130</b> may further include one or more a cameras <b>134</b> which may be positioned and configured to capture images and/or video of game pieces <b>114</b> positioned on the surface of the display <b>132</b> for purposes of associating the various game pieces <b>114</b> with corresponding players, and for identifying and tracking such game pieces during game play. The one or more cameras <b>134</b> may be positioned, for example, to capture images and/or video of game pieces <b>114</b> from above and/or beside the display surface of the display <b>132</b>, or may alternatively or additionally be positioned below the display <b>132</b>, e.g., within the user computing device <b>104</b>, to capture images and/or video of the base or footprints of the game pieces <b>114</b> from below the display surface of the display <b>132</b>. The one or more peripheral devices <b>130</b> may further include one or more conventional near-field communication (NFC) devices positioned and configured to communication with corresponding NFC devices attached to or carried by the various game pieces <b>114</b> for the purpose of associating the various game pieces <b>114</b> with corresponding players, and for identifying and tracking such game pieces during game play.

The data storage <b>126</b> may be embodied as any type of device or devices configured for short-term or long-term storage of data such as, for example, memory devices and circuits, memory cards, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or other data storage devices. In the illustrative embodiment, the user computing device <b>104</b> may maintain one or more electronic games, one or more electronic game and/or game piece templates, one or more virtual game piece applications, one or more private game component applications and/or other information in the data storage <b>126</b>.

With some electronic board games, it may be desirable to utilize one or more hardware game pieces or sets of hardware game pieces during game play, e.g., for the purpose of providing some amount of physical control, for providing tactile feedback, and/or for promoting or developing physical dexterity. Some such hardware game pieces may be standardized, i.e., usable with several different types of electronic board games, while others may be custom pieces specific to one or a family of games. Examples of such hardware game pieces may include, but should not be limited to, two or more unique game pieces for identifying two or more corresponding game players, a die or dice, cards, game currency, and other paper items, walls, bridges, buildings such as houses, hotels and the like, human and/or other characters, weapons, sports-related items, and/or other plastic, metal or other rigid, semi-rigid or flexible game pieces. The one or more standardized and/or custom hardware game pieces and/or sets of hardware game pieces <b>114</b> shown with the user computing device <b>104</b> may include any number of hardware game pieces and/or sets of hardware game pieces <b>116</b>₁-<b>116</b>_M, where M may be any positive integer. Likewise, the one or more electronic devices shown with the user computing device <b>104</b> may include any number of such electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, where J may be any positive integer. In some embodiments, for example, only one electronic device <b>110</b>₁may be used by a single player or passed around and used by multiple players, and in other embodiments each of a plurality of players will use a different one of the electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J.

The user computing device <b>106</b> may be substantially similar to the user computing device <b>104</b> and include similar components, which have been identified in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with common reference numbers. As such, the description provided above of the components of the user computing device <b>104</b> may be equally applicable to those similar components of the user computing device <b>106</b> and are not repeated herein so as not to obscure the present disclosure. Of course, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments the user computing devices <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> (or other user computing devices of the system <b>100</b>) may be dissimilar to each other. For example, the user computing devices of system <b>100</b> may be embodied as various types of computing devices different from each other (e.g., a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, or other computing device) and include components typically found in such corresponding computing devices. As another example, the one or more standardized and/or custom hardware game pieces and/or sets of hardware game pieces <b>114</b> shown with the user computing device <b>106</b> may include any number of hardware game pieces and/or sets of hardware game pieces <b>118</b>₁-<b>118</b>_N, where N may be any positive integer and where N may or may not be equal to M. Likewise, the one or more electronic devices shown with the user computing device <b>106</b> may include any number of such electronic devices <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, where K may be any positive integer and where K may or may not be equal to J.

As discussed briefly above, the game server <b>102</b> is configured to make available to game developers a number of board game templates and other related software, and to make available to users (game players) a number of electronic board games and various game services, via the network <b>108</b>. Although only one such game server <b>102</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the system <b>100</b> may include any number of game servers.

The game server <b>102</b> may be embodied as any type of server (e.g., a web server) or similar computing device capable of performing the functions described herein. In the illustrative embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the game server <b>102</b> includes a processor <b>140</b>, an I/O subsystem <b>142</b>, a memory <b>144</b>, a data storage <b>146</b>, a communication circuitry <b>148</b>, and one or more peripheral devices <b>150</b>. Such components of the game server <b>102</b> may be similar to the corresponding components of the user computing device <b>104</b>, the description of which is applicable to the corresponding components of the game server <b>102</b> and is not repeated herein for clarity of the description.

In the user computer device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, the processor <b>120</b> is illustratively operable during execution of an electronic board game to render an image of the playing surface of the game board on its display <b>132</b> such that the electronic board game may be played on and/or on the surface of the display <b>132</b>. In order to simulate conventional board game play, it is desirable in some embodiments to implement the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> in the form of a computing device in which the display <b>132</b> (e.g., monitor, display screen or other surface upon which an image of the playing surface of the game may be rendered) is or may be oriented upwardly in the same manner as a conventional board game supported on a table top or similar structure/surface. In such embodiments, the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> may, for example, be provided in the form of a conventional tablet computer which has a large display area on one face or surface that may be oriented upwardly by supporting the opposite face or surface on a table top or similar structure/surface. As another example of this embodiment, the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> may be provided in the form of a conventional flexible or semi-flexible computing device <b>160</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> in its rolled-up (e.g., storage) state and as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> in its un-rolled state. Other such forms of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> will occur to those skilled in the art, and any such other forms are contemplated by this disclosure. It should be understood, however, that such forms of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> should not be considered to be limiting in any way, and that this disclosure contemplates other embodiments in which the display screen of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> is not or may not be oriented upwardly as just described.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, the flexible or semi-flexible computing device <b>160</b> has a top surface <b>161</b> and a bottom surface or underside <b>163</b> opposite the top surface <b>161</b>. The top surface <b>161</b> illustratively defines a border <b>162</b> which surrounds a display <b>164</b>, e.g., a display screen or monitor, although the border <b>162</b> may be omitted in some embodiments. In any case, the flexible or semi-flexible computing device <b>160</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> supported on its underside <b>163</b> by the top surface <b>167</b> of a table or other suitable structure <b>165</b> such that the display screen <b>164</b> is oriented upwardly as a playing surface of a conventional board game would be when supported by the top surface <b>167</b> of the table or other suitable structure <b>165</b>. While <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates one implementation of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> as a flexible or semi-flexible computing device, it will be understood that in embodiments in which it is desirable to implement the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> in the form of a computing device with a display screen (i.e., monitor) that is or may be oriented upwardly in the same manner as a conventional board game supported on a table top or similar structure/surface, the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> may be any known computing device capable of such orientation. Examples of such computing devices include, but should not be limited to, a tablet computer or any computer having a flat screen which may be oriented as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. In any such embodiment, the display screen <b>164</b> may illustratively be or include a conventional touch-screen <b>166</b>, i.e., an electronic visual display configured to sense or detect the presence, location and shape of an object touching within the touch sensitive area <b>166</b> of the display screen <b>164</b>.

Some conventional board games include a plurality of unique hardware game pieces which are used to identify two or more game players during game play. Well-known examples of such pieces include, but are not limited to, a shoe, a racecar, an iron, a thimble and a top hat. Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-5</figref>, a set <b>168</b> of three such unique hardware game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> is shown with one of the unique hardware game pieces <b>172</b> placed in contact with, and supported by, the display screen <b>164</b> of the user computing device <b>160</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware game piece <b>170</b> includes a unique base <b>176</b> to which it is mounted, and the hardware game pieces <b>172</b> and <b>174</b> are likewise mounted to unique bases <b>178</b> and <b>180</b> respectively. As shown by example in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the bases <b>176</b>, <b>178</b>, <b>180</b> of the game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b> and <b>174</b> respectively are unique in the shapes of their respective footprints. The base <b>176</b> of the game piece <b>170</b> is formed, for example, in the shape of a triangle, whereas the bases <b>178</b> and <b>180</b> of the game pieces <b>172</b> and <b>174</b> are formed in the shape of a circle and a square respectively. It will be understood that while the shape of the footprint of the base <b>176</b>, <b>178</b>, <b>180</b> of any of the game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> may be arbitrary, each is sufficiently unique relative to the others to allow the processor <b>120</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to distinguish between the shapes of the various footprints using conventional touch-screen technology.

Thus, with the base <b>176</b> of the hardware game piece <b>172</b> positioned in contact with the display screen <b>164</b> as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the processor <b>120</b> may determine not only the position of the hardware game piece <b>172</b> relative to the surface area of the display screen <b>164</b>, but may also distinguish the unique shape or footprint of the base <b>176</b> of the hardware game piece <b>172</b> relative to the unique shapes or footprints of the other hardware game pieces <b>170</b> and <b>174</b>. By so tracking the footprints of the various plurality of unique hardware game pieces, the processor <b>120</b> may thus be programmed or configured to automatically track and keep track of the positions of the various players relative to the playing surface of the game board projected or displayed on the display screen of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> during game play. One illustrative process which is made available by the game server <b>102</b> to electronic board game developers for tracking and keeping track of the positions of players relative to the playing surface of the electronic game board displayed on the display screen of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to thereby distinguish one player from another during play of an electronic board game, which process may be executed by one or more of the user computing devices of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

Referring now specifically to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the bases <b>176</b>, <b>178</b>, <b>180</b> and/or other portion(s) of the hardware game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> may have attached thereto, or embedded therein, one or more sensors <b>182</b>, <b>184</b>, <b>186</b> respectively. Examples of such sensors may include, but should not be limited to, proximity sensors, light sensors, noise or sound sensors, tactile sensors, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the bases <b>176</b>, <b>178</b>, <b>180</b> and/or other portion(s) of the hardware game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> may have attached thereto, or embedded therein, one or more actuators <b>188</b>, <b>190</b>, <b>192</b> respectively. Examples of such actuators may include, but should not be limited to, light sources, sound generators or reproducing devices, body part (e.g., arm, leg or other) movement actuators, vibratory devices, or the like. In embodiments of the hardware game pieces which include one or more sensors and/or one or more actuators, the bases <b>176</b>, <b>178</b>, <b>180</b> and/or other portion(s) of the hardware game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> may have attached thereto, or embedded therein, suitable communication devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> respectively for communicating sensor data to the processor <b>120</b>, for communicating actuator control data to the actuators, and/or for communicating with one or more similar communication devices carried by the user computing device <b>160</b>. Such communication devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> may be or include any known wired or wireless communication circuitry and interface, or combination thereof, and may utilize any known communication protocol to carry out communications between the various components.

In some embodiments, the communication devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> may be included, regardless of whether the hardware game pieces include one or more sensors and/or actuators, for the purpose of providing a unique identifier to the processor <b>120</b>. In such embodiments, the footprints of the bases <b>176</b>, <b>178</b>, <b>180</b> thus need not be physically unique or even different in any way from each other, as the positions of the different hardware game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> relative to the playing surface of the game board displayed on the display screen of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> during game play may be determined by the processor <b>120</b> via the unique identifier produced by the communication device <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> in each hardware game piece. In some such embodiments, the communication devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> may be provided in the form of one or more conventional near-field communication (NFC) devices, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or other suitable wireless data transfer system. In embodiments in which the communication devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> are provided in the form of one or more NFC devices, the NFC devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> may be programmed with a unique identifier, and one or more NFC devices carried by the user computing device <b>160</b> may communicate with the NFC devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> in order to determine the identities and/or positions of the hardware game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b>. In embodiments in which the communication devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> are provided in the form of RFID tags, the RFID tags <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> may each be programmed with a unique identifier signal, and the RFID tags <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> are then operable to transmit for processing by the processor <b>120</b> a radio frequency signal unique to that hardware game piece. Those skilled in the art will recognize other forms of the communication devices <b>194</b>, <b>196</b>, <b>198</b> that may be provided for the purpose of providing a unique identifier to the processor <b>120</b>, and any such other forms are contemplated by this disclosure. In still other embodiments, the hardware game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> may be associated with the various players and may be distinguished during game play by capturing images and/or video of the game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> via the one or more cameras <b>134</b>, and then processing such images and/or video in a conventional manner to the determine the identities and/or positions of the hardware game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b> according to different visual attributes associated with the game pieces <b>170</b>, <b>172</b>, <b>174</b>, e.g., shape, color, luminosity, footprint, and/or other visual attribute(s).

As discussed briefly above, a number of electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_Jmay be used by one or more players in connection with playing electronic board games with the user computing device <b>104</b>, and any number of electronic devices <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_Kmay likewise be used by one or more players in connection with playing electronic board games with the user computing device <b>106</b>, where J and K may each be any positive integer and where J may or may not be equal to K. Any such electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_Kmay be used in connection with the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> for any of a number of purposes, examples of which include, but should not be limited to, downloading one or more virtual game pieces for use during play of one or more electronic board games, and/or as a mechanism for hiding certain game-related information from other players during game play. Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, one illustrative embodiment of an electronic device <b>200</b> is shown which may be used for any of the electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_Killustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device <b>200</b> includes a processor <b>210</b>, an I/O subsystem <b>212</b>, a memory <b>214</b>, a data storage <b>216</b>, a communication circuitry <b>218</b>, and one or more peripheral devices <b>220</b>. Such components of the electronic device <b>200</b> may be similar to the corresponding components of the user computing device <b>104</b>, the description of which is applicable to the corresponding components of electronic device <b>200</b> and is not repeated herein for clarity of the description.

The communication circuitry <b>218</b> of the electronic device <b>200</b> may include any number of devices and circuitry for enabling communications between the electronic device <b>200</b> and one or more web servers <b>202</b> and/or between the electronic device <b>200</b> and the game server <b>102</b> over a network <b>204</b>. The network <b>204</b> may be or be identical to the network <b>108</b> illustrated and described with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, or may be or include one or any combination of other conventional networks. The communication circuitry <b>218</b> may be configured to use any one or more communication protocols to effect such communication as discussed above with regard to the communication circuitry <b>128</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>.

In embodiments in which the electronic device <b>200</b> is used to download one or more virtual game pieces for use during play of one or more electronic board games, the electronic device <b>200</b> may be configured to connect in a conventional manner to one or more suitable web servers <b>202</b> hosting corresponding web sites via which such one or more virtual game pieces may be acquired. Alternatively or additionally, the game server <b>102</b> may include a library of virtual game pieces, and the electronic device <b>200</b> may download any such one or more virtual game pieces via the game server <b>102</b>. A player may elect to use the virtual game piece in place of a hardware game piece during play of one or more games, and one illustrative process which is made available by the game server <b>102</b> to game players for replacing one or more hardware game pieces in any particular electronic board game with corresponding virtual game pieces will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

In embodiments in which the electronic device <b>200</b> is used to download software for use as a mechanism for hiding certain game-related information that is private to each game player from other players during game play, the electronic device <b>200</b> may be configured to connect in a conventional manner to the game server <b>102</b>, and to download any such software via the game server <b>102</b>. One illustrative process which is made available by the game server <b>102</b> to game players for downloading such software for hiding certain game-related information that is private to each game player from other players during game play will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. When downloaded and installed on the electronic device <b>200</b>, game-related information that is private to each player and that should therefore be kept from exposure or dissemination to other players may be displayed and in some games may be managed or otherwise manipulated via the electronic device <b>200</b>.

The electronic device <b>200</b> may be embodied as any type of computing device capable of performing the functions described herein. For example, each of the electronic device <b>200</b> may be embodied as, without limitation, a computer, a desktop computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a mobile computing device, a smart phone, a cellular telephone, a handset, a messaging device, a work station, a network appliance, a web appliance, a distributed computing system, a multiprocessor system, a processor-based system, a consumer electronic device, a digital television device, a set top box, a Classmate PC® or other computer developed specifically for use by children, a dedicated, child-friendly thin-client, and/or any other computing device configured to store and access data, and to execute electronic game software and related applications.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, in one embodiment, the game server <b>102</b> establishes an environment <b>300</b> during operation. The illustrative environment <b>300</b> includes a game development module <b>302</b>, a game services module <b>304</b> and a game acquisition module <b>306</b>. Each of the modules <b>302</b>, <b>304</b>, <b>306</b> may be embodied as any type of software or firmware application configured to communicate with any of the user computing devices <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or the electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_Kduring execution. For example, in cloud computing implementations, the modules <b>302</b>, <b>304</b>, <b>306</b> may be embodied as browser-based applications and/or “thin” client-side applications configured to communicate with corresponding server-side applications executed on a remote server. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the modules <b>302</b>, <b>304</b>, <b>306</b> may be embodied as stand-alone, full featured applications configured to communicate with any of the user computing devices <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or the electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K.

The game development module <b>302</b> is illustratively provided for, and may be configured to be accessed by, game developers desiring to develop electronic versions of existing board games and/or to develop entirely new electronic board games. In the illustrated embodiment, the game development module <b>302</b> includes a number of configuration templates for use as a starting point for developing various features common to many conventional board games. For example, the game development module <b>302</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> includes board templates <b>308</b>, card templates <b>310</b>, dice templates <b>312</b>, game currency templates <b>314</b>, paper piece templates <b>316</b> and plastic/metal piece templates <b>318</b>. The board templates <b>308</b> illustratively contains one or more templates of various game board designs which may be downloaded and used by game developers to design game boards for electronic board games. One or more of the game board designs may resemble one or more existing game boards, others may be common to multiple existing board games and still others may be generic designs. The card templates <b>310</b> illustratively contain one or more templates of various designs of playing cards, information cards or other cards typically used by board games. One or more of the card designs may resemble cards of one or more existing board games, others may be common to multiple existing board games and still others may be generic designs. The dice templates <b>312</b> illustratively contain one or more templates of various die and/or dice designs. One or more of the die or dice designs may resemble die or dice of one or more existing board games, others may be common to multiple existing board games and still others may be generic designs. The game currency templates <b>314</b> illustratively contain one or more templates of various designs and/or denominations of game currency. One or more of the game currency designs may resemble currency of one or more existing board games, others may be common to multiple existing board games and still others may be generic designs. The paper piece templates <b>316</b> illustratively contain one or more templates of various designs of paper game pieces other than cards. One or more of the paper game piece designs may resemble paper game piece designs of one or more existing board games, others may be common to multiple existing board games and still others may be generic designs. The plastic/metal piece templates <b>318</b> illustratively contain one or more templates of various designs of plastic and/or metal game pieces. One or more of the game plastic and/or metal game piece designs may resemble game pieces of one or more existing board games, others may be common to multiple existing board games and still others may be generic designs. It will be appreciated that the final designs of any of the game cards, game die or dice, game currency, paper game pieces and/or plastic and/or metal game pieces developed by game developers may be manufactured as hardware game pieces included with the electronic board games and/or made available to game players separately from the electronic board games. Alternatively or additionally, the final designs of any of the game cards, game die or dice, game currency, paper game pieces and/or plastic and/or metal game pieces developed by game developers may be provided with the electronic games as virtual game pieces and/or be downloadable separately from the electronic board games via one or more web-accessible sources, e.g., the game piece applications library <b>326</b> of the game server <b>102</b> and/or one or more web sites offering such virtual game pieces for download.

The game development module <b>302</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> further includes a hardware game piece identification (ID) sub-module <b>320</b> for use by game developers for the purpose of configuring electronic board games to recognize and associate unique hardware game pieces with game players. One illustrative process made available by the game server <b>102</b> to game developers for so configuring electronic board games will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. The game development module <b>302</b> further illustratively includes a game modification rules sub-module <b>322</b> for use by game developers to establish rules for modifying their electronic board games. It is anticipated that electronic board developers may wish to control the extent to which the electronic board games they design may be edited or modified from their original design, and the game modification rules sub-module <b>322</b> provides a tool for establishing game modification rules for any electronic board game. One illustrative process made available by the game server <b>102</b> to game developers for establishing such game modification rules will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

The game services module <b>304</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is illustratively provided for, and may be configured to be accessed by, owners and users (i.e. players) of electronic board games for the purpose of managing electronic board game collections, accessing downloadable virtual game pieces and/or game-related software applications, and enhancing or facilitating game playing opportunities and experiences. In the illustrated embodiment, the game services module <b>304</b> includes a downloadable game management program <b>324</b>, a game piece applications library <b>326</b>, a private game component sub-module <b>328</b>, a remote player(s) game service <b>330</b>, a game recommendation service <b>332</b> and a game policy service <b>334</b>. The downloadable game management program <b>324</b> illustratively contains an electronic game management software program that may be downloaded from the game server <b>102</b> and installed on a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K. Upon installation, the game management program allows users to download, save, organize and configure and play electronic board games. Illustratively, the game management program may include a sub-module that allows users to connect directly to the game acquisition module <b>306</b> to browse, search for and acquire electronic board games from the game server <b>102</b>.

The game piece applications library <b>326</b> illustratively includes a number of downloadable software program applications for virtual game pieces. The game management program may further include a sub-module that allows users to connect directly to the game piece applications library <b>326</b> so that users may browse, search for and download virtual game pieces from the game server <b>102</b>. In any case, the game piece applications library <b>326</b> may be accessed by a user computing device <b>104</b> and/or an electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, and one or more virtual game pieces may be downloaded thereto from the game piece applications library <b>326</b>. Upon installation, such one or more virtual game pieces may be activated and used during play of electronic board games. One illustrative process which is made available by the game server <b>102</b> to game players for replacing one or more hardware game pieces in any particular electronic board game with one or more corresponding virtual game pieces will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

The private game component sub-module <b>328</b> illustratively includes a number of downloadable software program applications, with one or more such software program applications associated with one or more electronic board games for the purpose of maintaining some game-related information that is private to each player from exposure or dissemination to other players during game play. The game management program and/or the game acquisition module <b>306</b> may further include a sub-module which directs users acquiring electronic board games that require some game-related information that is private to each player to be kept from exposure or dissemination to other players during game play to the private game component sub-module <b>328</b> so that users may download from the game server <b>102</b> and install on one or more of the electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_Kone or more private information software applications appropriate for the electronic board game being acquired. In some embodiments and/or with some electronic board games, a single, private information software application will be downloaded and installed on a single electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, and the single electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_Kwill be passed around to the various players of the electronic board game during game play. In such embodiments, the single, private information software application will be configured to display the game-related information that is private to each player, and to provide for access, management and/or manipulation of such information by each such player, via single, electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-112K, and to also allow the various game players to hide or mask their private information before passing the single electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_Kto the next player. In other embodiments and/or with other electronic games, each player will have a different electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, and in such embodiments a private information software application may be downloaded and installed on each such different electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K. During subsequent play of the associated electronic board game, the game-related information that is private to each player will be displayed and may be accessed, managed and/or manipulated by each such player only via that player's electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K. In any case, the private game component sub-module <b>328</b> may be accessed by a user computing device <b>104</b> and/or an electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, and one or more of the private information software applications appropriate for the electronic board game being acquired may be downloaded thereto from the private game component sub-module <b>328</b>. Upon installation on one or more of the electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, such one or more private information software applications may be activated and used during play of electronic board games.

With some electronic board games, one or more hardware game pieces may be available via which game-related information that is private to the various players may be kept from exposure or dissemination to other players during game play. With such electronic board games, players may be offered a choice between such one or more hardware game pieces or the one or more private information software applications for use during game play. One illustrative process which is made available by the game server <b>102</b> to game players for selecting between such one or more hardware game pieces and one or more private information software applications will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>.

The remote player(s) game service <b>330</b> illustratively provides a link or portal via which multiple players, some or all of which may located remotely from each other, may play one or more electronic board games. In one embodiment, the remote player(s) game service <b>330</b> further provides one or more downloadable software program applications which may be downloaded and installed by users to enable one or more electronic board games to be played remotely and/or to facilitate such remote game play. Such one or more downloadable software application programs may be configured to enable and/or facilitate synchronous remote game play, i.e., one or more game participants located remotely from other game participants with all participants playing the electronic board game at the same time, and/or may be configured to enable and/or facilitate asynchronous remote game play, i.e., one or more game participants located remotely from other game participants with each player taking a turn and then waiting for the next player to do so. Asynchronous game play may occur continuously and/or may occur in blocks of game activity with periods of inactivity between such blocks of activity. The game management program and/or the game acquisition module <b>306</b> may further include a sub-module or link which directs users to the remote player(s) game service <b>330</b>. In any case, the remote player(s) game service <b>330</b> may be accessed by any of the user computing devices <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, and any one or more software application programs which enable and/or facilitate remote game play may be downloaded thereto from the remote player(s) game service <b>330</b>. Upon installation, such one or software application programs may be activated to enable and/or facilitate remote play of one or more electronic board games.

The game recommendation service <b>332</b> illustratively provides access to one or more game recommendation applications configured, upon user request, to process a user's electronic board game collection along with at least a first criterion and recommend one or more games in the user's collection of games to play, and/or to access and process electronic board games not in the user's electronic board game collection along with at least the first or a second criterion different from the first criterion and recommend one or more such electronic board games not in the user's collection of electronic board games to play. The game management program and/or the game acquisition module <b>306</b> may further include a sub-module or link which directs users to the game recommendation service <b>332</b>. In one embodiment, the one or more game recommendation applications are under the control of the game server <b>102</b> and therefore executed by the processor <b>140</b>. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the one or more game recommendation applications and/or one or more components thereof, may be executable by a processor of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or an electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>₇, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, and may therefore be downloaded from the game recommendation service and/or the game acquisition module <b>306</b> and installed on the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K. Upon installation on a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or on one or more of the electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, such one or more game recommendation applications may be activated and used to request game recommendations. One illustrative process which is made available by the game recommendation service <b>332</b> to electronic board game users for requesting and obtaining recommendations of one or more electronic board games to play from the user's collection of electronic board games, or of one or more electronic board games to play that is/are not in the user's collection of board games, will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

The game policy service <b>334</b> illustratively provides user access to one or more game access limit applications configured, upon user request, to limit access to one or more of the electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games. Example access limits which may be imposed by the user on one or more of the electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games may include, but are not limited to, a time limit on continuous play of one or more electronic board games in the user's collection, a time limit on the total time in any one day or other block of time which one or more electronic board games in the user's collection may be played, one or more time blocks during which play of one or more electronic board games in the user's collection may or may not be played, and restricted access to one or more electronic board games in the user's collection. The game management program and/or the game acquisition module <b>306</b> may further include a sub-module or link which directs users to the game policy service <b>334</b>. In one embodiment, the one or more game access limit applications are under the control of the game server <b>102</b> and therefore executed by the processor <b>140</b>. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the one or more game access limit applications and/or one or more components thereof, may be executable by a processor of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or an electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, and may therefore be downloaded from the game policy service and/or the game acquisition module <b>306</b> and installed on the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K. Upon installation on a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or on one or more of the electronic devices <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_K, such one or more game access limit applications may be activated and used to set one or more access limits to one or more of the electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games. One illustrative process which is made available by the game policy service <b>334</b> to electronic board game users for setting one or more access limits to one or more electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>.

The game acquisition module <b>306</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is illustratively provided for, and may be configured to be accessed by, users (i.e. players) of electronic board games for the purpose of acquiring one or more electronic board games to play and/or for the purpose of uploading modified versions of electronic board games for use by others. In the illustrated embodiment, the game acquisition module <b>306</b> includes a licensing and use rights information sub-module <b>336</b>, an electronic board game download manager <b>338</b> and a modified electronic board game upload manager <b>340</b>. The licensing and use rights information sub-module <b>336</b> illustratively contains legal information relating to licensing and use rights associated with the various versions of electronic board games acquired and/or uploaded by users from or to the game acquisition module <b>306</b>. In one embodiment, such information is displayed to users via the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> and/or electronic device <b>110</b>₁-<b>110</b>_J, <b>112</b>₁-<b>112</b>_Kupon acquisition and/or upload of each electronic board game acquired or uploaded by a user. Alternatively or additionally, such information may be provided as a selectable feature of the game management program that may be accessed by a user at any time.

The electronic board game download manager <b>338</b> provides for the acquisition, e.g., via download, of any of various versions of one or more electronic board games. In one embodiment, an electronic board game is selected using the game management program as discussed above, and the game management program illustratively directs the user to the electronic board game download manager <b>338</b>. Alternatively or additionally, a user may find one or more electronic board games to acquire via one or more websites hosted on one or more of the web servers <b>202</b> or other server(s). Alternatively or additionally still, a user may download one or more electronic board games from one or more local storage media such as one or more CD ROMs, one or more so-called memory sticks or thumb drives, e.g., portable data storage devices with flash or other memory and/or with a universal serial bus (USB) or other drive interface, or the like. In any case, the one or more electronic board games may typically be downloaded, e.g., in the form of one or more executable software programs, by any suitable means into the memory <b>124</b> and/or data storage <b>126</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, and may be accessed by users, e.g., via the game management program or other game selection mechanism, and activated for play by the user in a conventional manner. When activated, the processor <b>120</b> executes the one or more executable software programs of the electronic board game software such that the user and/or one or more other players may play the electronic board game.

In the illustrated embodiment, a user may download any of at least three different versions of a selected electronic board game; a full and complete version, e.g., having no feature, other restrictions to play thereof, a limited version and/or a modifiable version. In one embodiment, the full and complete version carries the highest monetary cost to the user in return for ownership of the electronic board game with no limits, restrictions or other conditions. In some alternative embodiments, however, the modifiable version may instead carry the highest monetary cost to the user in return for modification rights to the electronic board game.

In one embodiment, the limited version is the full and complete version that may be played for only a limited duration, e.g., for a limited time period, e.g., days, weeks, other definable block of time, for a limited number of times, e.g., 10 times, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the limited version may be a so-called “lite” version in which access to one or more features or operations of the electronic board game is/are disabled or otherwise restricted. For limited versions which may be played only for a limited duration, access to the limited version may be disabled upon expiration of the limited duration, and in some embodiments further access to the limited version may be extended upon payment for such additional access. The limited version illustratively carries the lowest monetary cost to the user since the user effectively leases this version and/or does not have access to all of the features and/or operations of the electronic board game. In return for this limited or restricted access, users may thus test drive electronic board games more cheaply than by purchasing the full and complete version, thereby providing electronic board game users with the ability to experience the game before committing to purchase of the full/complete, and therefore more expensive, version. Any such limited version may alternatively or additionally include other features that are not necessarily associated with the game, such as one or more advertisements for other games, game pieces, etc. or other items. Any such other features may be or include any one or more of image, video, animation and audio content.

Acquisition of the modifiable version may carry more or less monetary expense to the user, as described above, and in any case represents a version of the electronic board game that the user may modify. As discussed above, the developer of an electronic board game may limit the number and/or type(s) of features of the electronic board game that may be modified, or may disable any and all modifications to the electronic board game. One illustrative process which is made available by the game download manager <b>338</b> to electronic board game users for acquiring one or more versions of one or more electronic board games will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

In versions of an electronic board game in which the electronic board game developer permits modifications thereto, the user acquiring such a modifiable version may make modifications, as permitted by the game developer, and may save the modified version in the memory <b>124</b> and/or data storage <b>126</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> for future use, i.e. future play. In some embodiments, the game developer may charge different fees for different modifiable versions, i.e., different fees for different limits on the modifiability of the game and/or different fees for different uses of the modifiable version of the game, e.g., modified for personal use only, modified for distribution to others, etc. Illustratively, the user may further utilize the modified game upload manager <b>340</b> to upload the user-modified version of the electronic board game to the game server <b>102</b> for download and use by others, and in some embodiments may elect to either allow others to download and use the user-modified version for free or charge a fee for download and use of the user-modified version. In the latter case, the developer of the original electronic board game may require a share of the revenue from sales of user-modified version of the electronic board game, and the amount of this share may vary depending upon the degree or extent of modifications allowed by the game developer to the electronic board game. Illustratively, the user may be required to agree to the revenue share dictated by the game developer before uploading of the user-modified electronic board game is permitted. The user may instead elect not to share the dictated revenue amount with the game developer, in which case the user will not be permitted to upload the user-modified version of the electronic board game to the game server <b>102</b> for sale to others. The user may illustratively have the option, in such cases, to upload the user-modified version of the electronic board game to the game server <b>102</b> for free use by others. In any case, the modified game upload manager <b>340</b> may be or include conventional software and/or firmware which manages and carries out uploading of one or more executable software programs that defined the user-modified version of the electronic board game. One illustrative process which is made available by the modified game upload manager <b>340</b> to electronic board game users for uploading one or more user-modified versions of one or more electronic board games will be described in detail below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, a simplified flow diagram is shown of one illustrative process <b>400</b> which is made available by the game server <b>102</b> to electronic board game developers for tracking and keeping track of the positions of players relative to the playing surface of an electronic game board displayed on the display screen of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to thereby distinguish one player from another during play of an electronic board game. The process <b>400</b> may be executed by the processor <b>120</b> of one or more of the user computing devices <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> used during development and/or design of an electronic board game. The process <b>400</b> assumes that each of one or more game players will have in their possession a unique hardware game piece which is to be assigned to that player and which will be recognized after execution of the process <b>400</b> by the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> during play of the electronic board game. In the embodiment of the process <b>400</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the uniqueness of such hardware game pieces is illustratively defined by the shapes or footprints of their bases as illustrated and described hereinabove with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-5</figref>.

The process <b>400</b> begins at block <b>402</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the one or more players to enter their name(s), e.g., in player name field(s) displayed on the display <b>132</b>. The processor <b>120</b> illustratively determines from the player names entered at block <b>402</b> the total number of players playing the game. Thereafter at block <b>404</b> the processor <b>120</b> prompts each player to place the base of that player's unique hardware game piece on the display <b>132</b> by or against that player's name displayed on the <b>132</b>. Thereafter at block <b>406</b>, the processor <b>120</b> senses, e.g., via touch screen, camera image or video, the footprint of player's unique hardware game piece. At block <b>408</b>, the processor <b>120</b> assigns each of the sensed footprints to a corresponding player, e.g., by associating the sensed footprint of player's unique hardware game piece with the displayed name by or against which the base of player's unique hardware game piece was placed at block <b>404</b>. Thereafter at block <b>410</b>, the processor <b>120</b> senses the footprints of each of the unique hardware game pieces and associates the sensed footprints with corresponding players to which the sensed footprints are assigned to thereby distinguish the various players from each other and to also determine positions of the various players relative to the surface of the electronic board game displayed on the display <b>132</b> during game play.

In other embodiments, as described above, the uniqueness of the various hardware game pieces may be defined by a communication device, e.g., an NFC device or an RFID tag or other communication device, attached to or embedded within the base or other portion of each of the various hardware game pieces. In such embodiments, the process <b>400</b> may be modified such that block <b>404</b> requires each player to select his or her name on the display screen, e.g., by touching his or her name on the display screen (which may, for example, cause that person's name to be highlighted), and to then bring his or her hardware game piece into proximity with the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> which is executing the electronic board game, e.g., by placing the player's hardware game piece anywhere on the surface of the display <b>132</b>, while other players keep their game pieces sufficiently away from the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to avoid sensing by the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> of such other game pieces. Block <b>406</b> may also be modified to require sensing of a player's unique hardware game piece by sensing the unique signal produced by the communication device carried by the player's hardware game piece. In some embodiments, such communication signals may be further distinguishable from communication signals produced by the other hardware game pieces by requiring conventional “pairing,” as this term is generally understood in the context wireless communication protocol, e.g., Bluetooth® and other such communication protocols, between the communication devices of the hardware game pieces and the communication circuitry <b>128</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to thereby establish secure communication channels between the processor <b>120</b> and each of the various hardware game pieces. In any case, block <b>408</b> may be modified to require the processor <b>120</b> to assign the unique signal produced by the player's communication device to that player, and block <b>410</b> may be modified to require the processor <b>120</b> to distinguish players from one another by sensing and distinguishing between the various unique communication signals produced by the communication devices carried by or embedded within the player's hardware game pieces.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, a simplified flow diagram is shown of one illustrative process for use by electronic board game developers to set rules for modification by users of electronic board games designed and/or developed by the electronic board game developers. The process <b>500</b> may be executed by the processor <b>140</b> of the game server <b>102</b> and/or by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> or other computing device controlled by an electronic board game developer during the design and/or development of an electronic board game. For purposes of facilitating an understanding of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the process <b>500</b> will be described as being executed by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. The process <b>500</b> begins at block <b>502</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the game developer, e.g., by controlling the display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to display a suitable message, to allow or disable modifications of the subject electronic board game. If the game developer elects to disable modifications to the subject game, the process <b>500</b> advances to block <b>504</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> disables modifications to the subject game (e.g., the processor <b>120</b> may set a game modification indicator to indicate that no modifications are allowed). If the game developer otherwise elects to allow modifications to the subject game, the process <b>500</b> advances from block <b>502</b> to block <b>506</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user to select the level of allowed modifications (e.g., permit full editing of the subject game, restrict modifications of the game to a total number of features that may be modified by a user, or restrict modifications of the game to one or more types of modifiable features). If the game developer elects to permit full editing of the subject electronic board game, e.g., meaning that any user of the subject electronic board game may modify any feature of the subject electronic board game, the process <b>500</b> advances from block <b>506</b> to block <b>508</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> enables full modification of the subject game (e.g., the processor may set the game modification indicator to signify any user of the subject electronic board game may modify any feature of the subject electronic board game).

If the game developer elects to restrict modifications of the game to a total number of features that may be modified by a user, e.g., meaning that user modifications to the subject electronic board game are allowed but are restricted to a maximum number of modifications that may be made to the subject the electronic board game by any one user, the process <b>500</b> advances from block <b>506</b> to block <b>510</b> in which processor enables feature-limited modification to the subject game (e.g., the processor may set the game modification indicator to signify that modifications to the subject game by any one user are limited to a maximum number of modifications). Thereafter, at block <b>512</b>, the processor <b>120</b> prompts the game developer to enter the total (maximum) number of features of the subject electronic board game which may be modified by any one user of the game. At block <b>514</b>, the processor <b>120</b> sets the total number of features of the subject electronic board game which may be modified as specified by the game developer in response to the prompt at block <b>512</b> (e.g., the processor <b>120</b> may set a feature number indicator to the number of modifiable features).

If the game developer elects to restrict modifications of the game to one or more types of features that may be modified by a user, e.g., meaning that user modifications to the subject electronic board game are allowed but are restricted to modifications only of one or more specified types of features of the subject the electronic board game, the process <b>500</b> advances from block <b>506</b> to block <b>516</b> in which the processor enables feature-type modification of the subject game (e.g., the processor may set the game modification indicator to signify that modifications to the subject game by any one user are limited to modifications only of one or more specified types of game features). Thereafter at block <b>518</b>, the processor <b>120</b> prompts the game developer to specify the one or more types of features of the subject electronic board game which may be modified, e.g., by displaying a list of features types and allowing the game developer to select one or more of the feature types in the displayed list. Thereafter at block <b>520</b>, the processor <b>120</b> sets the feature type(s) that may be modified as specified by the game developer in response to the prompt at block <b>518</b> (e.g., the processor <b>120</b> may set a feature type indicator to the one or more feature types that may be modified). Illustratively, the feature types that may be modified may include any type of feature of the subject electronic board game. Examples include, but should not be limited to, one or more game rules or sets of game rules, appearance (e.g., color, shape, size, etc.) of the game board and/or any game component, amount and/or type of game currency, content of one or more game cards or sets of cards, content of one or more landing spaces on the game board, and the like.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, a simplified flow diagram is shown of one illustrative process <b>600</b> which is made available by the game server <b>102</b> to game players for replacing one or more hardware game pieces in any particular electronic board game in the user's collection of electronic board games with one or more corresponding virtual game pieces. The process <b>600</b> may be executed by the processor <b>140</b> of the game server <b>102</b> and/or by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. For purposes of facilitating an understanding of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the process <b>600</b> will be described as being executed by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. The process <b>600</b> may illustratively be provided to users as a selectable option within the game management program and/or as a selectable option when activating any of the one or more electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games. In any case, the process <b>600</b> begins at block <b>602</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, to select a hardware component (HWC) to replace with a corresponding virtual component. The processor <b>120</b> may execute the block <b>602</b>, e.g., by controlling the display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to display a list of the different hardware game pieces or components usable in the subject electronic board game.

When the user selects a hardware component at block <b>602</b>, the process <b>600</b> advances to block <b>604</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> determines whether the user desires to purchase a virtual component application, e.g., from the game piece applications library <b>326</b>. If the user does not desire or need to purchase a virtual component application (e.g., the user already has a corresponding virtual component application, the user has previously downloaded a suitable virtual component application for the selected hardware component, etc.), the process <b>600</b> advances to block <b>608</b> described below. However, if the user elects to purchase a corresponding virtual component application, the process <b>600</b> advances from block <b>604</b> to block <b>606</b> where the processor <b>120</b> identifies a link for purchase of the virtual component application, e.g., from the game piece applications library <b>326</b> or other source, and/or identifies one or more links for a number of different virtual versions or variations of the HWC application, e.g., from the game piece applications library <b>326</b> or other source. Illustratively, the processor <b>120</b> may execute block <b>606</b> by controlling the display <b>132</b> to display the link on the display <b>132</b>, and/or to display one or more links for a number of different virtual versions or variations of the HWC application, in the game piece library or other source.

When the user selects the link or links, the processor <b>120</b> illustratively directs the process <b>600</b> to the game piece applications library <b>326</b> or other source where the user may purchase a virtual component application corresponding to the selected HWC. In any case, if the user elects at block <b>604</b> to skip the purchase block <b>606</b>, and after execution of the purchase block <b>606</b>, the process <b>600</b> advances to block <b>608</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user to select another hardware component to replace with a corresponding virtual component or to exit the process <b>600</b>. If the user elects to select another hardware component to replace with a corresponding virtual component, the process <b>600</b> loops back to block <b>602</b>, and the process <b>600</b> otherwise terminates.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, a simplified flow diagram is shown of at least one embodiment of a process <b>650</b> for selecting a mechanism for hiding private, game-related information from other players during game play. The process <b>650</b> may be executed by the processor <b>140</b> of the game server <b>102</b> and/or by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. For purposes of facilitating an understanding of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the process <b>650</b> will be described as being executed by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. The process <b>650</b> may illustratively be provided to users as a selectable option within the game management program and/or as a selectable option when activating any of the one or more electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games. In any case, the process <b>650</b> begins at block <b>652</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> prompts, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, to allow the players to select to play the game using one or more hardware game pieces, multiple electronic devices, or a single electronic device to keep at least some of the game information private, i.e., to hide private, game-related information from other players during game play. If the players elect to play the game using multiple electronic devices, e.g., one for each player, to hide private game-related information from other players during game play, the processor <b>120</b> prompts to enter the number of multiple electronic devices that will be used to hide the private game-related information from other players at block <b>654</b>, and one of the players responds by entering a corresponding integer number. If the players, at block <b>652</b>, elect to play the game using only a single electronic device, e.g., one that will be passed around or otherwise used by each of the players of the game, to hide private game-related information from other players during game play, the processor <b>120</b> sets the number of electronic device to one in block <b>656</b>.

Following execution of the block <b>654</b> or the block <b>656</b>, the process <b>600</b> advances to block <b>658</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts to identify the type of electronic device(s) that will be used, e.g., as between one or more hand-held (HH) electronic devices and one or more other electronic devices. If one of the players selects hand-held (HH), the process <b>600</b> advances to block <b>660</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> identifies one or more links, e.g., by controlling the display <b>132</b> to display the one or more links for one or more versions of the downloadable game privacy application(s) suitable for the number of handheld electronic devices. Illustratively, at least one of the one or more displayed links may be a link to one or more such suitable applications contained in the game piece applications library <b>326</b>, the private game component sub-module <b>328</b> or other suitable library or website accessible by the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>.

If one of the players selects “other” electronic devices at block <b>658</b>, the process <b>600</b> advances to block <b>662</b> where the processor <b>120</b> identifies one or more links, e.g., by controlling the display <b>132</b> to display the one or more links for one or more versions of the downloadable game privacy software program(s) suitable for the number of electronic devices other than handheld devices. Illustratively, at least one of the one or more displayed links may be a link to one or more such suitable software programs contained in the game piece applications library <b>326</b>, the private game component sub-module <b>328</b> or other suitable library or website accessible by the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. The process <b>650</b> terminates following execution of either of the blocks <b>660</b> or <b>662</b>.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, a simplified flow diagram is shown of at least one embodiment of a process <b>700</b> for recommending an electronic board game to a user from the user's collection of electronic board games and/or from a catalogue or library of new games. The process <b>700</b> may be executed by the processor <b>140</b> of the game server <b>102</b> and/or by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, and is illustratively made available to users via the game recommendation service <b>332</b> of the game services module <b>304</b>. For purposes of facilitating an understanding of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, the process <b>700</b> will be described as being executed by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. The process <b>700</b> may illustratively be provided to users as a selectable option within the game management program and/or as a separate service which users may join separately from the game management program. In any case, the process <b>700</b> begins at block <b>702</b> where the processor <b>120</b> collects information about the player or players of an electronic board game that will be recommended by the process <b>700</b>. In one embodiment, the processor <b>120</b> executes the block <b>702</b> by prompting the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, for information about the player or players of an electronic board game that will be recommended by the process <b>700</b>. In one embodiment, the information may include only the total number of players that will be playing the game to be recommended, although other embodiments are contemplated in which alternate or additional information about the identified and/or potential game players may be requested or provided. Examples include, but are not limited to, one or more of the names, ages and genders of one or more of the identified and/or potential players, skill level(s) of one or more of the identified and/or potential players, identifications, e.g., usernames, within the game recommendation service <b>332</b> of one or more of the identified and/or potential players, time of day at one or more of the identified and/or potential player's location, geographic location of one or more of the identified and/or potential players and/or personal information about one or more identified and/or potential players, and the like. In other embodiments, the processor <b>120</b> collects the player information by automatically sensing as potential players electronic devices proximate to the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, and/or by automatically determining as potential players a list of users/players currently logged into one or more remote electronic board game playing websites or portals.

Following block <b>702</b>, the process <b>700</b> advances to block <b>704</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, to select the recommendation of an electronic board game from the user's collection of electronic board games or the recommendation of a new electronic board game to play, e.g., one that is not in the user's collection of electronic board games. If the user elects at block <b>704</b> to obtain a recommendation of an electronic board game from the user's collection of electronic board games, the process <b>700</b> advances to block <b>706</b> where the processor <b>120</b> chooses one or more games to recommend to the user based on one recommendation criterion or multiple recommendation criteria, i.e., one or more game selection factors. The recommendation criterion or criteria my be limited to the information collected at block <b>702</b> or may include one or more additional or alternate criteria. Examples of such one or more additional or alternate criteria may include, but should not be limited to, game playing history of the user and/or identified player(s), i.e., one or more electronic board games played most often by the user and the identified player(s), electronic board games similar to one or more electronic board games played most often by the user and/or identified player(s), etc., time of day, geographic location of the user, age or other personal information about the user, geographic location and/or personal information about one or more identified players or potential players, local, regional and/or global popularity of board games in the user's collection, or the like.

Following block <b>706</b>, the process <b>700</b> advances to block <b>708</b> where the processor <b>120</b> controls the display <b>132</b> to display a list of the recommended games, i.e., those chosen at block <b>706</b>. Thereafter at block <b>710</b>, the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user to select a game from the displayed list or to select to recommend other games from the user's collection of electronic board games. If the former, the process <b>700</b> advances to block <b>712</b> where the processor <b>120</b> executes the selected game. If the latter, the process <b>700</b> advances to block <b>714</b> where the processor <b>120</b> modifies one or more of the game selection factors used at block <b>706</b>. Such modification of one or more of the game selection factors may be limited to information collected at the block <b>702</b>, or may include additional or alternate criteria. Examples of such one or more additional or alternate criteria may include, but should not be limited to, game playing history of the user and/or identified player(s), i.e., one or more electronic board games played most often by the user and the identified player(s), electronic board games similar to one or more electronic board games played most often by the user and/or identified player(s), electronic board games having similar complexity and/or challenge to one or more electronic board games in the user's collection and/or to one or more electronic board games played most often by the identified player(s), time of day, geographic location of the user, age or other personal information about the user, geographic location and/or personal information about one or more identified players or potential players, local, regional and/or global popularity of board games in the user's collection, or the like. The process <b>700</b> loops from the block <b>714</b> to the block <b>706</b>.

If, at block <b>704</b>, the processor <b>120</b> determines that the user has elected to obtain a recommendation for a new electronic board game to play, i.e., one that is not currently in the user's collection of electronic board games, the process <b>700</b> advances to block <b>716</b> where the processor <b>120</b> is operable to select one or more new electronic board games (i.e., not in the user's collection of one or more electronic board games) to play based on one recommendation criterion or multiple recommendation criteria, e.g., on one or more new game selection factors. The recommendation criterion or criteria at the block <b>716</b> may be limited to the information collected at block <b>706</b> or may include one or more additional or alternate criteria. Examples of such one or more additional or alternate criteria may include, but should not be limited to, electronic board games similar to one or more electronic board games played most often by the user and/or identified player(s), electronic board games which have similar complexity and/or challenge to one or more electronic board games in the user's collection and/or to one or more electronic board games played most often by the identified player(s), time of day, geographic location of the user, age or other personal information about the user, geographic location and/or personal information about one or more identified players or potential players, local, regional and/or global popularity of electronic and/or hardware board games not in the user's collection of electronic board games, or the like. In any case, the process <b>700</b> advances from block <b>716</b> to block <b>718</b> where the processor <b>120</b> controls the display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to display a list of one or more recommended electronic board games selected at block <b>716</b>. Thereafter at block <b>720</b>, the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user to select a game from the list displayed at block <b>718</b>. When the user selects a game from this list, the process <b>700</b> advances to block <b>722</b> where the processor <b>120</b> directs the user to the game download manager <b>338</b> or to another suitable website where the user may acquire the recommended electronic board game. The process <b>700</b> terminates after either of blocks <b>712</b> or <b>722</b>.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, a simplified flow diagram is shown of at least one embodiment of a process <b>800</b> which is made available by the game policy service <b>334</b> to electronic board game users for setting one or more access limits to one or more electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games. The process <b>800</b> may be executed by the processor <b>140</b> of the game server <b>102</b> and/or by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. For purposes of facilitating an understanding of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the process <b>800</b> will be described as being executed by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. The process <b>800</b> may illustratively be provided to users as a selectable option within the game management program and/or as a separate service which users may join separately from the game management program. In any case, the process <b>800</b> begins at block <b>802</b> where the processor <b>120</b> controls the display <b>132</b> of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b> to display a list of electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games. Thereafter at block <b>804</b>, the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, to select a game from the displayed list for access modification. Thereafter at block <b>806</b>, the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, to elect to disable access to the selected electronic board game, set one or more playing time limits for the selected electronic board game or to set one or more non-use time blocks for the selected electronic board game. If the user selects to disable access to the selected electronic board game, the process <b>800</b> advances to block <b>808</b> where the processor <b>120</b> disables access to the selected game. Subsequent attempts to activate (i.e., execute) the selected electronic board game will be denied, and may be accompanied by display of a suitable informative message describing a reason for denying access to the selected electronic board game. The process <b>800</b> advances from block <b>808</b> to block <b>822</b>.

If, at block <b>806</b>, the processor <b>120</b> determines that user has elected to set one or more playing time limits for the selected electronic board game, the process <b>800</b> advances to block <b>810</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, to set a continuous play time limit to limit continuous play of the selected electronic board game for a specified time duration, or to set a total playing time limit to limit the total time of play of the selected electronic board game during any one day or other time period. The process <b>800</b> advances from block <b>810</b> to block <b>812</b> where the processor <b>120</b> sets the play time limit based on information provided by the user in response to the prompt at block <b>810</b>, and thereafter at block <b>814</b> the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user to set another time limit. If the user so elects, the process <b>800</b> loops back to block <b>810</b>, and otherwise the process <b>800</b> advances to block <b>822</b>. Subsequent attempts to activate (i.e., execute) the selected electronic board game after the selected board game has been played continuously for at least set allowable continuous play time period and/or has been played for at least the set allowable total play time limit during one day (or other defined time period), will be denied, and may be accompanied by display of a suitable informative message describing a reason for denying access to the selected electronic board game.

If, at block <b>806</b>, the user elects to set one or more non-use time blocks for the selected electronic board game, the process <b>800</b> advances to block <b>816</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, to set a start time and an end time to designate a time block of non-use of the selected electronic board game. Thereafter at block <b>818</b>, the processor <b>120</b> sets the non-use time block with the start and end times selected by the user in response to the prompt at block <b>816</b>, and thereafter at block <b>820</b> the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user to set another time block. If the user so elects, the process <b>800</b> loops back to block <b>816</b>, and otherwise the process <b>800</b> advances to block <b>822</b>. Subsequent attempts to activate (i.e., execute) the selected electronic board game during any of the non-use time blocks set at block <b>818</b> will be denied, and may be accompanied by display of a suitable informative message describing a reason for denying access to the selected electronic board game.

At block <b>822</b>, the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user to select another electronic board game in the user's collection of electronic board games in which to limit playing access. If the user so elects, the process <b>800</b> loops back to block <b>822</b>, and otherwise the process <b>800</b> terminates.

It will be appreciated that the process <b>800</b> may alternatively or additionally include conventional blocks to limit, grant and/or deny access to one or more electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games based on the identity of the person attempting to access an electronic board game from the user's collection. For example, the process <b>800</b> may be modified to include conventional blocks for limiting, granting and/or denying access to one or more electronic board games in the user's collection of electronic board games based on one or more specific player passwords or other game access codes, based on any and all passwords or other access codes other than that of the user, or the like. Modifications to the process <b>800</b> to include such conventional blocks would be a mechanical block for skilled programmer.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, a simplified flow diagram is shown of at least one embodiment of a process <b>900</b> which is made available by the game download manager <b>338</b> to electronic board game users for acquiring one or more electronic board games. The process <b>900</b> may be executed by the processor <b>140</b> of the game server <b>102</b> and/or by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. For purposes of facilitating an understanding of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, the process <b>900</b> will be described as being executed by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. The process <b>900</b> assumes that the user has selected an electronic board game to acquire, and the process <b>900</b> operates to guide the user through one of several electronic board game acquisition options. In any case, the process <b>900</b> begins at block <b>902</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, to select to acquire the desired version (e.g., full version, limited version, or modifiable version) of the selected electronic board game. If the user elects to acquire the limited version, the process <b>900</b> advances to block <b>904</b> where the processor <b>120</b> informs, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, of the various limitations of the limited version of the selected electronic board game. Examples of the various limitations which may be included with the limited version are described hereinabove with respect to the game download manager block <b>388</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, and will not be repeated here for brevity.

If, at block <b>902</b>, the user elects to acquire the modifiable version of the selected electronic board game, the process <b>900</b> advances to block <b>906</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> determines whether the selected electronic board game is modifiable. If the game modification indicator signifies that all modifications to the game have been disabled, block <b>906</b> directs the processor <b>120</b> to block <b>908</b> where the processor <b>120</b> informs, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, that the selected game cannot be modified. If, however, the game modification indicator signifies that the selected electronic board game is modifiable, the processor <b>120</b> determines the level of modification in block <b>910</b>.

If the game modification indicator signifies that all features of the selected game can be modified, block <b>910</b> directs the processor <b>120</b> to block <b>912</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> informs, e.g., via the display <b>132</b>, that all features of the selected game may be modified. If game modification indicator signifies that only a maximum number of features of the selected game may be modified, block <b>910</b> directs the processor <b>120</b> to block <b>914</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> informs, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, of the maximum number of modifiable features designated by the game developer according to the process <b>500</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. Finally, if game modification indicator signifies that only one or more types of features of the selected electronic board game may be modified, block <b>910</b> directs the processor <b>120</b> to block <b>916</b> in which the processor <b>120</b> informs, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, of the one or more types of modifiable features designated by the game developer according to the process <b>500</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. Following each of blocks <b>904</b>, <b>912</b>, <b>914</b>, <b>916</b> and if the user elects to acquire the full version of the selected electronic board game at block <b>902</b>, the process <b>900</b> advances to block <b>918</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, to download the selected version of the selected electronic board game. Thereafter the process <b>900</b> terminates.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, a simplified flow diagram is shown of at least one embodiment of a process <b>950</b> which is made available by the modified game upload manager <b>340</b> to electronic board game users for uploading modified versions of one or more electronic board games. The process <b>950</b> may be executed by the processor <b>140</b> of the game server <b>102</b> and/or by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. For purposes of facilitating an understanding of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the process <b>950</b> will be described as being executed by the processor <b>120</b> of a user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>. The process <b>950</b> assumes that the user has acquired an original, modifiable version of an electronic board game, e.g., via the game download manager <b>338</b>, and has modified the original, modifiable version in accordance with any modification limits imposed by the game developer, to produce a modified version of the electronic board game that the user wishes to upload to the game server <b>102</b> to thereby make the modified version of the electronic board game available to others. The process <b>950</b> begins at block <b>952</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via the display screen of the user computing device <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, to enter a game identification (GID) of the original version of the modified version of the electronic board game. Illustratively, the game identification, GID, is an alphanumeric or other code which uniquely identifies the original version of the electronic board game acquired by, and then modified by, the user. The game identification may, for example, be provided to the user at the time the user acquires the modifiable version of the electronic board game. In any case, the process <b>950</b> advances from block <b>952</b> to block <b>954</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user to elect to upload the modified version of the electronic board game for free use by others or for sale to others. If the former, the process <b>950</b> advances to block <b>958</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts the user, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, to upload the modified version of the electronic board game for free use by others. If the latter, the process <b>950</b> advances to block <b>956</b> where the processor <b>120</b> informs, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, of the game developer's revenue requirement and prompts the user to accept or reject such requirement. For example, the game developer may require a Z % share of revenues from sales of all modified versions of the electronic board game, where the value of Z may be arbitrary and will generally be dictated by the game developer. In some embodiments, the game developer may choose to select the value Z base, at least in part, on the degree and/or type of modifications allowed by the game developer to the electronic board game. In any case, if the user elects at bock <b>956</b> to accept the game developer's revenue requirement, the process <b>900</b> advances to block <b>958</b> where the processor <b>120</b> prompts, e.g., via control of the display <b>132</b>, to upload the modified version of the game. If the user elects to reject the game developer's revenue requirement, and after execution of the block <b>958</b>, the process <b>900</b> terminates.

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein are provided below. An embodiment of the devices, systems, and methods may include any one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.

Example 1 includes a server to host an electronic board game service via a network, the server comprising a game development module to provide one or more electronic board templates and a plurality of electronic board game piece templates to develop one or more electronic board games, a game acquisition module to provide for acquisition of the one or more electronic board games by users of the electronic board game service, and a game services module to provide to users of the electronic board game service at least one service relating to the one or more electronic board games.

Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, and wherein the plurality of electronic board game piece templates comprise any one or combination of one or more card templates, one or more die or dice templates, one or more game currency templates, one or more paper piece templates and one or more plastic and/or metal game piece templates.

Example 3 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 and 2, and wherein at least one of the one or more electronic board games includes a plurality of unique hardware game pieces, and wherein the game development module further comprises a hardware game piece identification sub-module to associate the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with one or more corresponding players of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-3, and wherein the plurality of unique hardware game pieces each define a unique footprint, and wherein the hardware game piece identification sub-module is configured to associate the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with the one or more corresponding plurality of players by assigning a different one of the unique footprints to each of the corresponding plurality of players.

Example 5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-4, and wherein the plurality of unique hardware game pieces each comprise a communication device configured to produce a unique identification signal, and wherein the hardware identification sub-module to associate the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with the one or more corresponding plurality of players by assigning a different one of the unique identification signals to each of the corresponding plurality of players.

Example 6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-5, and wherein the game development module comprises a game modification rules sub-module to define one or more rules for limiting modification of at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-6, and wherein the at least one of the one or more electronic board games comprises one of a plurality of different game features and a plurality of different types of game features, and wherein the game modification rules sub-module to define one of at least one rule to limit a total number of features of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games that may be modified to a subset of the plurality of different game features, at least one rule to limit the types of features of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games which may be modified to a subset of the plurality of different types of game features, and at least one rule to disable any modification of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-7, and wherein the game acquisition module comprises a game download manager to manage downloading of the one or more electronic board games by the users of the electronic board game service.

Example 9 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-8, and wherein the game download manager to make available for downloading by the users of the electronic board game service at least one of a limited version and a modifiable version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-9, and wherein the game download manager to make available for download by the users of the electronic board game service the limited version of the one or more electronic board games for only a predefined duration after which the limited version of the one or more electronic board game is disabled.

Example 11 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-10, and wherein the at least one of the one or more electronic board games comprises at least one of a plurality of different game features and a plurality of different types of game features, and wherein the game download manager to limit modifications allowed to be made to the modifiable version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games by one of limiting a total number of features of the modifiable version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games that may be modified to a subset of the plurality of different game features, and limiting the types of features of the modifiable version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games that may be modified to a subset of the plurality of different types of game features.

Example 12 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-11, and wherein the game acquisition module comprises a modified game upload manager to manage uploading of the modifiable version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games to the server after the modifiable version is modified for one of free use by others and sale to others.

Example 13 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-12, and wherein the modified game upload manager to manage uploading of the modified version of the modifiable version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games for sale to others only upon acceptance by an uploader of the modified version of a revenue sharing amount between the uploader and a developer of the modifiable version which revenue sharing amount defines an amount of revenue resulting from sales of the modified version to others owed by the uploader to the developer.

Example 14 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-13, and wherein the game services module comprises at least one of (a) a game piece applications library to store virtual game piece applications for downloading by users of the electronic board game service, (b) a private game component sub-module to store one or more software applications associated with at least one of the one or more electronic board games for hiding certain information related to play by one player of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games from one or more other players of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games, (c) a remote player game service to provide for playing of at least one of the one or more electronic board games by a plurality of users, at least one of which is physically located remotely from others of the plurality of users, (d) a game recommendation service to recommend to users one or more electronic board games to play from at least one of the users' collection of electronic board games and a list of electronic board games in which none are part of the users' collection of electronic board games, based on at least one recommendation criterion, and (e) a game policy service to limit access to at least one electronic board game in a user's collection of electronic board games.

Example 15 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-14, and wherein the remote player game service to provide for playing of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games at least one of synchronously and asynchronously between the plurality of users.

Example 16 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-15, and wherein the game policy server to at least one of (a) restrict access to the at least one electronic board game by at least one user, (b) limit continuous play of the at least one electronic board game to a maximum time period, and (c) limit total time of play of the at least one electronic board game within a predefined time period to a maximum time amount.

Example 17 includes a method of hosting an electronic board game service via a network, the method comprising providing one or more electronic board templates and a plurality of electronic board game piece templates for development of one or more electronic board games, providing for acquisition of the one or more electronic board games by users of the electronic board game service, and providing to users of the electronic board game service at least one service relating to the one or more electronic board games.

Example 18 includes the subject matter of Example 17, and wherein at least one of the one or more electronic board games includes a plurality of unique hardware game pieces, and wherein the method further comprises associating the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with one or more corresponding players of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 19 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 17 and 18, and wherein the plurality of unique hardware game pieces each define a unique footprint, and wherein associating the plurality of unique hardware game pieces comprises associating the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with the one or more corresponding plurality of players by assigning a different one of the unique footprints to each of the corresponding plurality of players.

Example 20 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 17-19, and wherein the plurality of unique hardware game pieces each comprise a communication device configured to produce a unique identification signal, and wherein associating the plurality of unique hardware game pieces comprises associating the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with the one or more corresponding plurality of players by assigning a different one of the unique identification signals to each of the corresponding plurality of players.

Example 21 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 17-20, and further including providing for selection in the development of the one or more electronic board games one or more rules for limiting modification of at least one of the one or more electronic board games, wherein the at least of the one or more electronic board games comprises at least one of a plurality of different game features and a plurality of different types of game features, and wherein the one or more rules for limiting modification of at least one of the one or more electronic board games includes (a) at least one rule to limit a total number of features of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games that may be modified to a subset of the plurality of different game features, and/or (b) at least one rule to limit the types of features of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games which may be modified to a subset of the plurality of different types of game features, and/or (c) at least one rule to disable any modification of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 22 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 17-21, and wherein providing for acquisition of the one or more electronic board games comprises providing for downloading by the users of the electronic board game service at least one of a full version, a limited version and a modifiable version of at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 23 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 17-22, and further including providing for uploading of the modifiable version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games to a server of the electronic game service after the modifiable version is modified for one of free use by others and for sale to others.

Example 24 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 17-23, and wherein providing for uploading of the modified version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games for sale to others comprises providing for uploading of the modified version only upon acceptance by an uploader of the modified version of a revenue sharing amount between the uploader and a developer of the modified version which revenue sharing amount defines an amount of revenue resulting from sales of the modified version to others owed by the uploader to the developer.

Example 25 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 17-24, and wherein providing to the users at least one service relating to the one or more electronic board games comprises at least one of (a) providing for downloading by the users one or more virtual game piece applications, (b) providing for downloading by the users one or more software applications associated with at least one of the one or more electronic board games for hiding certain information related to play by one player of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games from one or more other players of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games, (c) providing for playing of at least one of the one or more electronic board games by a plurality of users, at least one of which is physically located remotely from others of the plurality of users, (d) providing to users at least one recommendation of one or more electronic board games to play from at least one of the users' collection of electronic board games and a list of electronic board games in which none are part of the users' collection, based on at least one recommendation criterion, and (e) providing for limiting of access to at least one electronic board game in a user's collection of electronic board games by at least one of (i) limiting of continuous play of the at least one electronic board game to a maximum time period, (ii) limiting a total time of play of the at least one electronic board game within a predefined time period to a maximum time amount and (iii) restricting of access to the at least one electronic board game by at least one user.

Example 26 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 17-25, and wherein providing for playing of at least one of the one or more electronic board games by a plurality of users, at least one of which is physically located remotely from others of the plurality of users, comprises providing for playing of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games at least one of synchronously between the plurality of users and asynchronously between the plurality of players.

Example 27 includes one or more computer readable media containing instructions for hosting an electronic board game service via a network, wherein execution of the instructions by one or more processors of a computing device causes the one or more processors to provide one or more electronic board templates and a plurality of electronic board game piece templates for development of one or more electronic board games, provide for acquisition of the one or more electronic board games by users of the electronic board game service, and provide to users of the electronic board game service at least one service relating to the one or more electronic board games.

Example 28 includes the subject matter of Example 27, and wherein at least one of the one or more electronic board games includes a plurality of unique hardware game pieces, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to associate the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with one or more corresponding players of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 29 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 27 and 28, and wherein the plurality of unique hardware game pieces each define a unique footprint, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to associate the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with the one or more corresponding plurality of players by assigning a different one of the unique footprints to each of the corresponding plurality of players.

Example 30 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 27-29, and wherein the plurality of unique hardware game pieces each comprise a communication device configured to produce a unique identification signal, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to associate the plurality of unique hardware game pieces with the one or more corresponding plurality of players by assigning a different one of the unique identification signals to each of the corresponding plurality of players.

Example 31 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 27-30, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to provide for selection in the development of the one or more electronic board games one or more rules for limiting modification of at least one of the one or more electronic board games, and wherein the at least one of the one or more electronic board games comprises at least one of a plurality of different game features and a plurality of different types of game features, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to include in the one or more rules (a) at least one rule to limit a total number of features of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games that may be modified to a subset of the plurality of different game features, and/or (b) at least one rule to limit the types of features of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games which may be modified to a subset of the plurality of different types of game features, and/or (c) at least one rule to disable any modification of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 32 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 27-31, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to provide for downloading by the users of the electronic board game service at least one of a full version, a limited version and a modifiable version of at least one of the one or more electronic board games.

Example 33 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 27-32, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to provide for uploading of the modifiable version of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games to a server of the electronic game service after the modifiable version is modified for one of free use by others and sale to others.

Example 34 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 27-33, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to provide for uploading of the modified version for sale to others only upon acceptance by an uploader of the modified version of a revenue sharing amount between the uploader and a developer of the modified version which revenue sharing amount defines an amount of revenue resulting from sales of the modified version to others owed by the uploader to the developer.

Example 35 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 27-34, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to provide to users of the electronic board game service the at least one service relating to the one or more electronic board games by (a) providing for downloading by the users one or more virtual game piece applications, (b) providing for downloading by the users one or more software applications associated with at least one of the one or more electronic board games for hiding certain information related to play by one player of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games from one or more other players of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games, (c) providing for playing of at least one of the one or more electronic board games by a plurality of users, at least one of which is physically located remotely from others of the plurality of users, (d) providing to users at least one recommendation of one or more electronic board games to play from at least one of the users' collection of electronic board games and a list of electronic board games in which none are part of the users' collection of electronic board games, based on at least one recommendation criterion, and (e) providing for limiting of access to at least one electronic board game in a user's collection of electronic board games by at least one of (i) providing for limiting of continuous play of the at least one electronic board game to a maximum time period, (ii) providing for limiting a total time of play of the at least one electronic board game within a predefined time period to a maximum time amount and (iii) providing for restricting of access to the at least one electronic board game by at least one user.

Example 36 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 27-35, and wherein execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to provide for playing of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games by a plurality of users, at least one of which is physically located remotely from others of the plurality of users, by providing for remote playing of the at least one of the one or more electronic board games at least one of synchronously and asynchronously between the plurality of users.

Example 37 includes a user computing device to execute electronic board games, the user computing device comprising a display screen orientable upwardly to support thereon at least one hardware game piece associated with at least one electronic board game, a memory to store the at least one electronic board game, and a processor to execute the electronic board game and to control the display screen to display an electronic version of a board surface of the electronic board game.

Example 38 includes the subject matter of Example 37, and wherein the display screen comprises a touch screen, the at least one hardware game piece comprising a plurality of different hardware game pieces each defining a unique footprint, and the processor to associate each of the plurality of different hardware game pieces with a different one of a corresponding plurality of players of the at least one electronic board game by sensing via the touch screen the unique footprint of each of the plurality of hardware game pieces and assigning each sensed, unique footprint to a different one of the plurality of players.

Example 39 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 37 and 38, and wherein the processor to track a position of each of the plurality of players relative to the electronic version of the board surface of the electronic board game by sensing via the touch screen the unique footprints of each of the plurality of hardware game pieces and associating each of the sensed, unique footprints with the one of the plurality of players assigned thereto.

Example 40 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 37-39, and wherein the at least one hardware game piece comprises a plurality of different hardware game pieces each comprising a different communication device to produce a unique identification signal, and the processor to associate each of the plurality of different hardware game pieces with a different one of a corresponding plurality of players of the at least one electronic board game by sensing the unique identification signal produced by each of the different communication devices and assigning each sensed, unique identification signal to a different one of the plurality of players.

Example 41 includes a method of managing and executing acquired electronic board games with a computing device having a memory, a processor and a display screen, the method comprising storing at least one acquired electronic board game in the memory, executing the electronic board game with the processor, controlling the display screen with the processor during execution of the electronic board game to display thereon an electronic version of a board surface of the electronic board game, and orienting the display screen upwardly to support thereon at least one hardware game piece associated with the at least one electronic board game.

Example 42 includes the subject matter of Example 41, and wherein the display screen comprises a touch screen, and the at least one hardware game piece comprises a plurality of different hardware game pieces each defining a unique footprint, and wherein the method further comprises associating each of the plurality of different hardware game pieces with a different one of a corresponding plurality of players of the at least one electronic board game by sensing via the touch screen the unique footprint of each of the plurality of hardware game pieces and assigning each sensed, unique footprint to a different one of the plurality of players.

Example 43 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 41 and 42, and wherein the method further comprises tracking a position of each of the plurality of players relative to the electronic version of the board surface of the electronic board game by sensing via the touch screen the unique footprints of each of the plurality of hardware game pieces and associating each of the sensed, unique footprints with the one of the plurality of players assigned thereto.

Example 44 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 41-43, and wherein the at least one hardware game piece comprises a plurality of different hardware game pieces each comprising a different communication device to produce a unique identification signal, and wherein the method further comprises associating each of the plurality of different hardware game pieces with a different one of a corresponding plurality of players of the at least one electronic board game by sensing the unique identification signal produced by each of the different communication devices and assigning each sensed, unique identification signal to a different one of the plurality of players.

Example 45 includes one or more computer readable media containing instructions for managing and executing acquired electronic board games, wherein execution of the instructions by one or more processors of a computing device having a display screen causes the one or more processors to store at least one acquired electronic board game in a memory, execute the electronic board game, and control the display screen during execution of the electronic board game to display thereon an electronic version of a board surface of the electronic board game, wherein orienting the display screen upwardly provides a support surface for supporting at least one hardware game piece associated with the at least one electronic board game.

Example 46 includes the subject matter of Example 45, and wherein the display screen comprises a touch screen, and the at least one hardware game piece comprises a plurality of different hardware game pieces each defining a unique footprint, and wherein execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to associate each of the plurality of different hardware game pieces with a different one of a corresponding plurality of players of the at least one electronic board game by sensing via the touch screen the unique footprint of each of the plurality of hardware game pieces and assigning each sensed, unique footprint to a different one of the plurality of players.

Example 47 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 45 and 46, and wherein execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to track a position of each of the plurality of players relative to the electronic version of the board surface of the electronic board game by sensing via the touch screen the unique footprints of each of the plurality of hardware game pieces and associating each of the sensed, unique footprints with the one of the plurality of players assigned thereto.

Example 48 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 45-47, and wherein the at least one hardware game piece comprises a plurality of different hardware game pieces each comprising a different communication device to produce a unique identification signal, and wherein execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to associate each of the plurality of different hardware game pieces with a different one of a corresponding plurality of players of the at least one electronic board game by sensing the unique identification signal produced by each of the different communication devices and assigning each sensed, unique identification signal to a different one of the plurality of players.

Example 49 includes a user computing device to design an electronic board game, the user computing device comprising a communication circuit to conduct electronic communications via a network, a memory to store an electronic board game, and a processor to control the communication circuit to receive via the network at least one game board template and a plurality of game piece templates to use to design the electronic board game, and to store the designed electronic board game in the memory.

Example 50 includes the subject matter of Example 49, and wherein the electronic board game comprises at least one of a plurality of different game features and a plurality of different types of game features, the processor to permit subsequent modification of at least one of (a) all of the different game features, (b) only a specified number of the plurality of different game features less that is than the plurality of different game features, and (c) only a specified subset of the plurality of different types of game features.

Example 51 includes a method of designing an electronic board game with a user computing device having a processor, a memory and configured to communicate via a network, the method comprising receiving via the network at least one game board template and a plurality of game piece templates, using the at least one game board template and at least one of the plurality of game piece templates to design the electronic board game, and storing the designed electronic board game in the memory.

Example 52 includes the subject matter of Example 51, and wherein the designed electronic board game comprises at least one of a plurality of different game features and a plurality of different types of game features, the method further comprising permitting subsequent modification of at least one of (a) all of the different game features, (b) only a specified number of the plurality of different game features that is less than the plurality of different game features, and (c) only a specified subset of the plurality of different types of game features.

Example 53 includes one or more computer readable media including instructions for designing an electronic board game with a user computing device having one or more processors, a memory and configured to communicate via a network, wherein execution of the instructions by the one or more processors of the computing device causes the one or more processors to receive via the network at least one game board template and a plurality of game piece templates, use the at least one game board template and at least one of the plurality of game piece templates to design the electronic board game, and store the designed electronic board game in the memory.

Example 54 includes the subject matter of Example 53, and wherein the designed electronic board game comprises at least one of a plurality of different game features and a plurality of different types of game features, and wherein execution of the instructions cause the one or more processors to permit subsequent modification of at least one of (a) all of the different game features, (b) only a specified number of the plurality of different game features that is less than the plurality of different game features, and (c) only a specified subset of the plurality of different types of game features.

Example 55 includes a system for playing electronic board games, the system comprising a user computing device comprising a memory to store an electronic board game, a processor to execute the electronic board game and a display screen to display a graphical representation of the electronic board game during execution thereof, at least one hardware game piece to be used during play of the electronic board game, and an electronic device separate from the user computing device and comprising a memory to store at least one of (a) a software application to hide certain information relating to play by one player of the electronic board game from other players of the electronic board game, a processor to execute the at least one software application and a display screen to display the certain information only to the one player during play of the electronic board game and (b) a software application of a virtual representation of the at least one hardware game piece, a processor to execute the at least one software application and a display screen to display the virtual representation of the hardware game piece during execution thereof, wherein the virtual representation of the hardware game piece is usable during game play of the electronic board game in place of the at least one hardware game piece.

Example 56 includes the subject matter of Example 55, and further including a server separate from the user computing device and from the electronic device and comprising at least one of (a) a virtual game piece applications library to store a plurality of different virtual game piece applications, the processor to acquire the virtual game piece application, in the form of the at least one software application, from the virtual game piece applications library of the server, and (b) a private game component sub-module to store one or more software applications associated with electronic board games for hiding certain information related to play by one player of an electronic board game from one or more other players of that electronic board game, the processor to acquire the software application to hide certain information relating to play of the electronic board game from other players of the electronic board game from the server.

Example 57 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 55 and 56, and wherein the server comprises a first communication circuit to conduct communications via a network, and wherein the electronic device comprises a second communication circuit to conduct communications via the network, and wherein the processor to at least one of (a) acquire the virtual game piece application from the server by downloading the virtual game piece application, in the form of the at least one software application, from the virtual game piece applications library via the network, and (b) acquire the software application to hide certain information relating to play of the electronic board game from other players of the electronic board game from the server by downloading the software application from the private game component sub-module via the network.

Example 58 includes a method for playing an electronic board game with a system including an electronic device having a first processor and a first display screen and a user computing device separate from the electronic device, the user computing device having a second processor and a second display screen, the electronic board having at least one associated hardware game piece to be used during play thereof, the method comprising executing the electronic board game with the second processor, controlling the second display screen with the second processor during execution of the electronic board game to display thereon a graphical representation of the electronic board game, executing with the first processor (a) at least one software application of a virtual representation of the at least one hardware game piece, and/or (b) at least one software application to hide with the electronic device certain information relating to play by one player of the electronic board game from other players of the electronic board game, and controlling the first display screen with the first processor during execution of the at least one software application to display (a) the virtual representation of the hardware game piece, and/or (b) the certain information only to the one player during play of the electronic board game, wherein the virtual representation of the hardware game piece is usable during game play of the electronic board game in place of the at least one associated hardware game piece.

Example 59 includes the subject matter of Example 58, and wherein the system further includes a server separate from the user computing device and from the electronic device and comprising at least one of (a) a virtual game piece applications library to store a plurality of different virtual game piece applications, and (b) a private game component sub-module to store one or more software applications associated with electronic board games for hiding certain information related to play by one player of an electronic board game from one or more other players of that electronic board game, and wherein the method further comprises acquiring from the server at least one of (a) the virtual game piece application, in the form of the at least one software application, from the virtual game piece applications library, and (b) the at least one software application to hide the certain information with the electronic device, and storing in the memory of the electronic device (a) the at least one software application of the virtual game piece application and/or (b) the software application to hide the certain information with the electronic device.

Example 60 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 58 and 60, and wherein the server comprises a first communication circuit to conduct communications via a network, and wherein the electronic device comprises a second communication circuit to conduct communications via the network, and wherein the method further comprises (a) acquiring the virtual game piece application from the server by downloading the virtual game piece application, in the form of the at least one software application, from the virtual game piece applications library via the network, and/or (b) acquiring from the server the at least one software application to hide the certain information with the electronic device by downloading from the private game component sub-module via the network the software application to hide the certain information with the electronic device.

Example 61 includes one or more computer readable media including instructions for playing an electronic board game having at least one associated hardware game piece to be used during play thereof, wherein execution of the instructions by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to execute the electronic board game, control a display screen of a user computing device during execution of the electronic board game to display thereon a graphical representation of the electronic board game, execute (a) at least one software application of a virtual representation of the at least one hardware game piece and/or (b) at least one software application to hide with an electronic device, separate from the user computing device, certain information relating to play by one player of the electronic board game from other players of the electronic board game and control a display screen of an electronic device separate from the user computing device (a) during execution of the at least one software application to display thereon the virtual representation of the hardware game piece, wherein the virtual representation of the hardware game piece is usable during game play of the electronic board game in place of the at least one associated hardware game piece, and/or (b) during execution of the at least one software application to display the certain information only to the one player during play of the electronic board game.

Example 62 includes the subject matter of Example 61, and wherein execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to (a) acquire the virtual game piece application, in the form of the at least one software application, from a virtual game piece applications library of a server that is separate from the user computing device and from the electronic device, and/or (b) to acquire from a private game component sub-module of a server that is separate from the user computing device and from the electronic device the at least one software application to display the certain information only to the one player during play of the electronic board game.

Example 63 includes the one or more computer readable media of claim <b>126</b> wherein execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to (a) acquire the virtual game application from the server by downloading the virtual game piece application, in the form of the at least one software application, from the virtual game piece applications library via a network, and (b) acquire the at least one software application to display the certain information only to the one player during play of the electronic board game by downloading from the virtual private game component sub-module via a network the at least one software application to display the certain information only to the one player during play of the electronic board game, and to store in the memory of the electronic device (a) the at least one software application of the virtual game piece application and/or (b) the software application to display the certain information only to the one player during play of the electronic board game.

Example 64 includes a computing device comprising a processor; and a memory having stored therein a plurality of instructions that, in response to being executed by the processor, results in the processor performing the method of any of Examples 17-26, 41-44, 51-52 and 58-60.

Example 65 includes one or more machine readable media comprising a plurality of instructions stored thereon that in response to being executed result in a computing device performing any of Examples 17-26, 41-44, 51-52, and 58-60.

While the concepts of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications consistent with the disclosure and recited claims are desired to be protected.